Microsoft announced this morning that it will release Windows 11 on October 5 as a free upgrade to existing Windows 10 machines and pre-installed on new computers.
However, the actual deployment to existing machines will take several months and will continue until 2022. The company will use a so-called “phased and phased approach” to evaluate PC specifications to determine when Windows Update will provide an upgrade.
“After gaining a lot of experience from Windows 10, we want to ensure that we provide you with the best experience. This means upgrading services for eligible new devices will be provided first,” wrote Aaron Woodman, general manager of Microsoft Windows. A post this morning announced the release date.
He added: “Over time, upgrades will be gradually rolled out to devices on the market based on smart models that consider hardware qualifications, reliability indicators, device age, and other factors that affect the upgrade experience. We expect by mid-2022 , All eligible devices can be upgraded to Windows 11 for free.”
The company announced plans for Windows 11 in June. During the pandemic, after PC usage and interest picked up, it unexpectedly decided to carry out an upgrade deemed worthy of a new round. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said at the time that “has a new understanding of the role of Windows in the world”.
Minimum specifications: Windows 11 going to need 1 Ghz 64-bit processor with 4GB RAM and at least 64GB storage space. The age of the processor will also affect the upgrade eligibility. The Verge recently reported.
Visual changes: The new operating system has a softer, translucent appearance. After launch, the most noticeable change for many users will be the centered start menu.
Under the hood: Microsoft said that Windows 11 will bring performance improvements, accessibility upgrades, and features that focus on improving the productivity of multiple devices, leveraging the company’s cloud services. The new operating system is also optimized for various game scenarios.
What is missing: During the initial startup process, one difference is Cortana’s absence, Microsoft’s virtual assistant will guide users through the settings before.Look Full list of deprecated features.
Microsoft team integration: Teams chat and communication features will be integrated into the Windows 11 taskbar, which previously caused complaints from competitor Slack.
Windows 11 widgets: This new feature draws on popular methods of smartphone operating systems, allowing you to quickly browse news and information from apps and online services.
For the past two months, users of the company’s Windows Insider program have been testing Windows 11.